Portable multi-sectioned boom concrete conveyor assembly

ABSTRACT

A portable multi-sectioned boom concrete conveyor assembly that includes a feeder conveyor configured to transport a construction material toward a distal end of the feeder conveyor and a main conveyor boom assembly including a plurality of main conveyor boom sections. The plurality of main conveyor boom sections may include a proximal main conveyor boom section and a distal main conveyor boom section that is rotatably coupled to one of the plurality of main conveyor boom sections about a revolution joint, has a second main conveyor belt spanning from a first end of the distal main conveyor boom section to a second end of the distal main conveyor boom section, and is operably configured to independently revolve approximately 360° about the revolution joint. The first and second main conveyor belts are operably configured to transport the construction material toward the second end of the distal main conveyor boom section.

CROSS REFERENCE

This application is a continuation of, and claims the benefit of, U.S.patent application Ser. No. 15/380,599, filed Dec. 15, 2016, and titled“Portable Multi-sectioned Boom Concrete Conveyor Assembly,” the entiretyof which is hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to portable assemblies used toconvey construction material such as concrete to a placement location,and, more particularly, relates to vehicles having a multi-sectionedboom with a conveyor used to transport concrete or other constructionmaterials to the placement location.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

One essential aspect of construction is concrete and other constructionmaterial (referred to generally as “concrete”), which is employed in theconstruction of buildings, parking garages, and other structures.Typically, concrete is transported by, for example, a concrete mixingtruck to a construction site where it is pumped to a placement orinstallation location. Alternatively, concrete may also be mixed at theconstruction site and pumped to the placement location.

To convey the concrete to the placement location while at a constructionsite, some known assemblies, such as those commercially sold by thecompany, Putzmeister, utilize a trailer or truck having multipleextendable and articulating boom sections acting as a frame for aconduit or piping carrying the concrete to a placement location. Thesemultiple extendable boom sections are sometimes referred to as a “mainconveyor.” To get the concrete to the main conveyor, these assembliesutilize a pumping system to transport the concrete to the placementlocation. These boom sections are pivotally coupled with respect to oneanother and are operable to have a single degree of freedom with respectto a single joint in which two individual boom sections are coupled.Over the length of the main conveyor, the multiple boom sections combineto have multiple degrees of freedom, yet they are still problematicallylimited to a single access of movement, i.e., vertically, with respectto one another. As such, to navigate to the main conveyor horizontallythe entire main conveyor is required to be rotated with respect to thebase of main conveyor and the trailer (hereinafter “main conveyor basejoint”). This presents multiple problems to users having concreteplacement locations within tight and/or compact confines and/orconstruction sites where power and/or telephone lines are present.Readjusting the length or position of the main conveyor, whether it beby horizontal movement about the main conveyor base joint or by pivotingindividual boom sections with respect to one another, can also be acost-, time-, and/or labor-intensive endeavor.

These above-described conduit-based pumping systems are also problematicin that they are not as compact as telescopic main conveyors utilizingbelt conveyors, such as those commercially marketed by Putzmetizer underthe trademark Telebelt TB 600 and as described in U.S. Pat. Nos.4,624,357, 6,431,346, 8,662,291 (wherein the entirety of saiddescriptions are incorporated herein by reference). Moreover, thoseconduit-based pumping systems are also problematic in that theygenerally require more power to operate and, should the pump breakand/or malfunction, also typically require the entire conduit to bereplaced. Furthermore, there are significant safety issues associatedwith pumping systems as they can become over-pressurized, fail, andgenerate condition called “hose whip.”

Many of the known belt conveyors also present problems to users becausethey too require rotation of the main conveyor at the main conveyor basejoint to place and/or deliver the concrete to the user and/or maneuverthe end hose attached to the distal end of the main conveyor. Moreover,those known telescopic belt conveyors telescope the main conveyor byextending and retracting a plurality of boom sections within oneanother. Therefore, vertical adjustment of one or more of the main boomsections is unavailable unless the user vertically adjusts the mainconveyor about the main conveyor base joint, which can cost- andtime-intensive.

Therefore, a need exists to overcome the problems with the prior art asdiscussed above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

With the foregoing and other objects in view, there is provided, inaccordance with the invention, a portable multi-sectioned boom concreteconveyor assembly with a feeder conveyor having a belt operablyconfigured to transport a construction material toward a distal end ofthe feeder conveyor and a main conveyor boom assembly including aplurality of main conveyor boom sections. In one embodiment, theplurality of main conveyor boom sections have a proximal main conveyorboom section with a first main conveyor belt and a first end rotatablythat is configured to be coupled to a deck of a vehicle about a mainconveyor base joint and a distal main conveyor boom section that isrotatably coupled to one of the plurality of main conveyor boom sectionsabout a revolution joint, has a second main conveyor belt spanning froma first end of the distal main conveyor boom section to a second end ofthe distal main conveyor boom section, and is operably configured toindependently revolve about the revolution joint. The first and secondmain conveyor belts are then operably configured to transport theconstruction material toward the second end of the distal main conveyorboom section and ultimately to the concrete placement location.

In accordance with another feature, an embodiment of the presentinvention includes the plurality of main conveyor boom sections havingan intermediate main conveyor boom section with a first end translatablycoupled to the proximal main conveyor boom section, wherein the distalmain conveyor boom section is rotatably and directly coupled to theintermediate main conveyor boom section about the revolution joint.

In accordance with a further feature of the present invention, therevolution joint is disposed at the first end of the distal mainconveyor boom section.

In accordance with a further feature of the present invention, theassembly includes a belt plane defined by the first main conveyor beltwhile disposed on an upper surface of the intermediate main conveyorboom section and an axis of revolution defined by a center of rotationof the distal main conveyor boom section about the revolution joint,wherein the axis of revolution disposed at an approximately orthogonalorientation with respect to the belt plane.

In accordance with yet another feature of the present invention, theassembly also includes the plurality of main conveyor boom sectionshaving a second intermediate main conveyor boom section with a first endpivotally and directly coupled to the proximal main conveyor boomsection and a second end translatably coupled to the intermediate mainconveyor boom section, wherein the second intermediate main conveyorboom section interposed between the intermediate main conveyor boomsection and the proximal main conveyor boom section.

In accordance with a further feature of the present invention, the firstmain conveyor belt spans from the from the first end of the proximalmain conveyor boom section to a second end of the intermediate mainconveyor boom section, wherein the first main conveyor belt is operablyconfigured to revolve around the proximal main conveyor boom section,the intermediate main conveyor boom section, and the second intermediatemain conveyor boom section.

In accordance with another feature, an embodiment of the presentinvention includes a deck pivot joint disposed at a distal end of thedeck of the vehicle, wherein the feeder conveyor it pivotably coupled tothe deck pivot joint.

In accordance with yet another feature, an embodiment of the presentinvention also includes the feeder conveyor having a hopper coupled to aproximal end of the feeder conveyor, wherein the feeder conveyor isoperably configured to transport the construction material from thehopper toward the distal end of the feeder conveyor.

In accordance with an additional feature, an embodiment of the presentinvention also includes an operational position along a feeder conveyorplacement path, wherein the operational position includes the distal endof the feeder conveyor in a superimposed configuration with respect tothe first end of the proximal main conveyor boom section and the firstmain conveyor belt.

In accordance with the present invention, a portable multi-sectionedboom concrete conveyor assembly is also disclosed that includes a mainconveyor boom assembly having a plurality of main conveyor boomsections, wherein the plurality of main conveyor boom sections have aproximal main conveyor boom section with a first main conveyor beltrevolvably coupled thereto and a first end rotatably coupled to a mainconveyor base joint that can be mounted on a platform such as a vehicle,an intermediate main conveyor boom section translatably coupled to theproximal main conveyor boom section and having the first main conveyorbelt revolvably coupled thereto, and a distal main conveyor boomsection. The distal main conveyor boom section may be rotatably coupledto the intermediate main conveyor boom section about a revolution jointdisposed at a first end of the distal main conveyor boom section, mayhave a second main conveyor belt, independent of the first main conveyorbelt, revolvably coupled thereto and spanning from the first end of thedistal main conveyor boom section to a second end of the distal mainconveyor boom section, and may be operably configured to independentlyrevolve about the revolution joint, wherein the first and second mainconveyor belts are operably configured to transport a constructionmaterial toward the second end of the distal main conveyor boom section.

In accordance with yet another feature, an embodiment of the presentinvention includes a feeder conveyor with a belt operably configured totransport the construction material toward a distal end of the feederconveyor.

In accordance with an additional feature, an embodiment of the presentinvention also includes a deck pivot joint disposed at a distal end ofthe deck of the vehicle, wherein the feeder conveyor it pivotablycoupled to the deck pivot joint. The feeder conveyor may have a hoppercoupled to a proximal end of the feeder conveyor, wherein the feederconveyor is operably configured to transport the construction materialfrom the hopper toward the distal end of the feeder conveyor.

In accordance with yet another feature, an embodiment of the presentinvention also includes the feeder conveyor having an operationalposition along a feeder conveyor placement path, wherein the operationalposition includes the distal end of the feeder conveyor in asuperimposed configuration with respect to the first end of the proximalmain conveyor boom section and the first main conveyor belt.

In accordance with an exemplary feature, an embodiment of the presentinvention also includes a belt plane defined by the first main conveyorbelt while disposed on an upper surface of the intermediate mainconveyor boom section and an axis of revolution defined by a center ofrotation of the distal main conveyor boom section about the revolutionjoint, wherein the axis of revolution is disposed at an approximatelyorthogonal orientation with respect to the belt plane.

Also in accordance with the present invention, a portablemulti-sectioned boom concrete conveyor assembly is disclosed thatincludes a main conveyor boom assembly including a plurality of mainconveyor boom sections, wherein the plurality of main conveyor boomsections have a proximal main conveyor boom section with a first mainconveyor belt revolvably coupled thereto and a first end configured tobe rotatably coupled to a deck of a vehicle about a main conveyor basejoint, a mechanical driver mechanically coupled to a second end of theproximal main conveyor boom section, and an intermediate main conveyorboom section directly and pivotably coupled to a second end of theproximal main conveyor boom section about a pivot joint and having thefirst main conveyor belt revolvably coupled thereto, wherein theintermediate main conveyor boom section is operably configured, throughthe mechanical driver, to rotatably and vertically pivot with respect tothe second end of the proximal main conveyor boom section.

The invention provides a portable multi-sectioned boom concrete conveyorassembly employing a belt conveyor that overcomes thehereinafore-mentioned disadvantages of the heretofore-known devices andmethods of this general type. Specifically, said conveyor assembly canbeneficially revolve its distal boom section and provide users quick andeffective adjustability and storage of each individual boom section andthe feeder section of the assembly. Although the invention isillustrated and described herein as embodied in a portablemulti-sectioned boom concrete conveyor assembly, it is, nevertheless,not intended to be limited to the details shown because variousmodifications and structural changes may be made therein withoutdeparting from the spirit of the invention and within the scope andrange of equivalents of the claims. Additionally, well-known elements ofexemplary embodiments of the invention will not be described in detailor will be omitted so as not to obscure the relevant details of theinvention.

In accordance with another feature, the intermediate main conveyor boomsection is operably configured, through the mechanical driver, torotatably and vertically pivot with respect to the second end of theproximal main conveyor boom section a negative angular deviation of atleast 25° relative to a planar axis defined by the generallylongitudinal orientation of the proximal main conveyor boom section. Theproximal main conveyor boom section may also taper in thickness as itspans towards the second end of the proximal main conveyor boom section.

Other features that are considered as characteristic for the inventionare set forth in the appended claims. As required, detailed embodimentsof the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to beunderstood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of theinvention, which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specificstructural and functional details disclosed herein are not to beinterpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as arepresentative basis for teaching one of ordinary skill in the art tovariously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriatelydetailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are notintended to be limiting; but rather, to provide an understandabledescription of the invention. While the specification concludes withclaims defining the features of the invention that are regarded asnovel, it is believed that the invention will be better understood froma consideration of the following description in conjunction with thedrawing figures, in which like reference numerals are carried forward.The figures of the drawings are not drawn to scale.

Before the present invention is disclosed and described, it is to beunderstood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose ofdescribing particular embodiments only and is not intended to belimiting. The terms “a” or “an,” as used herein, are defined as one ormore than one. The term “plurality,” as used herein, is defined as twoor more than two. The term “another,” as used herein, is defined as atleast a second or more. The terms “including” and/or “having,” as usedherein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language). The term“coupled,” as used herein, is defined as connected, although notnecessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically. The term“providing” is defined herein in its broadest sense, e.g.,bringing/coming into physical existence, making available, and/orsupplying to someone or something, in whole or in multiple parts at onceor over a period of time.

As used herein, the terms “about” or “approximately” apply to allnumeric values, whether or not explicitly indicated. These termsgenerally refer to a range of numbers that one of skill in the art wouldconsider equivalent to the recited values (i.e., having the samefunction or result). In many instances these terms may include numbersthat are rounded to the nearest significant figure. In this document,the term “longitudinal” should be understood to mean in a directioncorresponding to an elongated direction of the main conveyor.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals refer toidentical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate viewsand which together with the detailed description below are incorporatedin and form part of the specification, serve to further illustratevarious embodiments and explain various principles and advantages all inaccordance with the present invention. The assembly and componentsdepicted within the figures are not (unless otherwise expresslyidentified) to scale.

FIG. 1 is an elevational side view of a portable multi-sectioned boomconcrete conveyor assembly in an extended position along a boomextension path in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 is a close-up view of section 2-2 of the assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a partial downward looking perspective view of a feeder beltand the main boom section of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a close-up fragmentary view of section 5-5 of the assembly inFIG. 1 with a distal main boom of the main conveyor disposed in agenerally longitudinal orientation in accordance with one embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of the assembly in FIG. 5about section line 6-6;

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary view of an exemplary worm gear configurationused to revolve the distal main boom section;

FIG. 8 is a top plan view of the conveyor assembly with a distal mainboom of the main conveyor disposed in a generally longitudinalorientation in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a downward-looking perspective view of the assembly of FIG. 8;and

FIG. 10 is a process-flow diagram depicting an exemplary method ofplacing a construction material.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While the specification concludes with claims defining the features ofthe invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that theinvention will be better understood from a consideration of thefollowing description in conjunction with the drawing figures, in whichlike reference numerals are carried forward. It is to be understood thatthe disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, whichcan be embodied in various forms.

The present invention provides a novel and efficient portablemulti-sectioned boom concrete conveyor assembly 100 generally having amain conveyor boom assembly 102 and a feeder conveyor 104, as depictedin FIG. 1 illustrating one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1shows several advantageous features of the present invention, but, aswill be described below, the invention can be provided in severalshapes, sizes, combinations of features and components, and varyingnumbers and functions of the components. The assembly 100 is portable inthat it can be transported from location to location on a vehicle, suchas a motorized truck or a trailer for easy placement of a constructionmaterial, such as concrete. Beneficially, a plurality of main boomsections 106 a-n (wherein the letter “n” represents any number greaterthan 1) of the main conveyor boom assembly 102 are operable to extend,retract, and vertically adjust with respect to one another. In oneembodiment, this retraction and extension is telescopic translation, asdepicted in the figures, and as previous known by those of skill in theart—as discussed in references cited in the Background. Moreover, adistal main conveyor boom section (reflected as 106 n in FIG. 1) is alsobeneficially operable to revolve with respect to an adjacent main boomsection coupled thereto. As such, the concrete conveyor assembly 100 hasmore effective and efficient maneuverability than those knownassemblies.

With reference now to FIGS. 1-3 and to facilitate in accomplishing theadvantageous maneuverability, the main conveyor boom assembly 102includes a first main conveyor belt 300 and a first end 302 that can beconfigured to be rotatably coupled to a deck 108 of a vehicle 110 abouta main conveyor base joint 304 so that the main conveyor boom assembly102 may rotate as a single unit, if desired. The vehicle 110 is oneplatform on which the main conveyor boom assembly 102 can be supported,but those of skill in the art will appreciate that the main conveyorboom assembly 102 can equivalently be mounted on, for example, atrailer, a crane, a barge, and other such platforms capable ofsupporting the main conveyor boom assembly 102. In one embodiment, themain conveyor boom assembly 102 also includes an intermediate mainconveyor boom section 106 c and a second intermediate main conveyor boomsection 106 b interposed between the intermediate main conveyor boomsection 106 c and the proximal main conveyor boom section 106 a. Othermain boom sections 106 a-n may also be utilized as intermediate mainconveyor boom sections depending on the desired reach of the mainconveyor boom assembly 102 and the spatial limitations associated withthe length between one or more upper surfaces of the deck 108 of thevehicle 110 and a bottom surface 112 of the distal main conveyor boomsection 106 n when the main conveyor boom assembly 102 is placed in astoring position along a boom extension path. Said another way, thestoring position is a configuration with the main boom sections 106 a-nin an overlapping relationship with one another substantially alongtheir respective lengths such that the main boom sections 106 a-n can betransported. When the assembly 100 utilizes a feeder conveyor 104mechanically coupled to the deck 108 of the vehicle 110, the storingposition would also include the deck 108 having sufficient spatialcapacity to receive the length of the feeder conveyor 104, i.e., as bestshown in FIG. 4, from a proximal end 400 of the feeder conveyor 104 to adistal end 402 of the feeder conveyor 104.

In one embodiment, the proximal main conveyor boom section 106 a may bepivotally coupled to the main conveyor base joint 304 and operablyconfigured to rotate in a horizontal plane (wherein said rotation isrepresented by arrows 306) and in a vertical plane (wherein saidrotation is represented by arrows 308). As discussed in the prior-artreferences cited in the Background section, this horizontal and verticalrotation may be accomplished by employing various electrical andmechanical components, e.g., actuators and motors, known by those ofskill in the art to translate main boom sections. In one embodiment, thefeeder conveyor 104 may be advantageously coupled to a deck joint 900(shown best in FIG. 9) disposed at a distal end 902 of the deck 108 ofthe vehicle 110 so the assembly 100 can be utilized with minimal timeand costs attributed to the user, and stored with minimal effort fromthe user. The feeder assembly 104 may be maneuvered into place manuallyor with the use of actuators and/or motors. The use of the term “end”(whether distal, proximal, or otherwise) does not indicate thereferencing object's terminal end, unless specifically specified;rather, it means a location or area at or adjacent to the object'sterminal end, i.e., within 5% of the objects overall length. In otherembodiments, the feeder conveyor 104 may be employed by a user withoutit being coupled to the vehicle 110 or with it being coupled in anotherlocation on the vehicle 110.

With reference to FIGS. 3, 4, and 9, the feeder conveyor 104 ispreferably pivotably coupled to the deck pivot joint 900 such that thepivot joint 900 acts a fulcrum and permits the feeder conveyor 104 to beplaced in various positions. The feeder conveyor 104 may also include ahopper 904 with a lower end disposed at the proximal or first end 400 ofthe feeder conveyor 104. The feeder conveyor 104 is operably configuredto transport the construction material from the hopper 904 toward thedistal end 402 of the feeder conveyor 104 via, for example, a belt 310.The feeder conveyor 104 may also include an operational position along afeeder conveyor placement path, wherein the operational positionincludes the distal end 402 of the feeder conveyor 104 in a superimposedconfiguration with respect to the first end 302 of the proximal mainconveyor boom section 106 a and the first main conveyor belt 300, asbest shown in FIG. 3. The proximal main conveyor boom section 106 a mayalso have a hopper for receiving the construction material and relayingthe construction material to the main conveyor belt 300. The flowdirection of the construction material can be shown in FIG. 3 with thearrows 312.

With reference to FIGS. 4-8, the boom assembly 100 includes a distalmain conveyor boom section 106 n that is rotatably coupled to one of theplurality of main conveyor boom sections 106 a-n about a revolutionjoint 404, and that is supported a distance 114 above a ground surface116 by the vehicle 110. In one embodiment, the distal main conveyor boomsection 106 n is rotatably and directly coupled to the intermediate mainconveyor boom section 106 c. The direct coupling connection, through therevolution joint, may be at the second end 406 of the intermediate mainconveyor boom section 106 c. In other embodiments, should additional orless booms sections be desired, the distal main conveyor boom section106 n may be rotatably and directly coupled to another intermediatesection disposed at the sequential end of the boom sections. Theintermediate main conveyor boom section 106 c includes a first end 408translatably coupled to the proximal main conveyor boom section 106 a.Similarly, the second intermediate main conveyor boom section 106 b mayalso include a first end 412 translatably coupled to the proximal mainconveyor boom section 106 a. The second intermediate main conveyor boomsection 106 b also includes a second end 410 in which the intermediatemain conveyor boom section 106 c translates with respect to. The secondintermediate main conveyor boom section 106 b also includes a first end414 that may be translatably coupled, e.g., rotated and/or pivoted, withrespect to second end 414 of the proximal main conveyor boom section 106a. In one embodiment, the revolution joint 404 is disposed at the firstend 416 of the distal main conveyor boom section 106 n, while in otherembodiments, it may be disposed in other locations along a length of thedistal main conveyor boom section 106 n.

With specific reference briefly to FIGS. 2 and 4, in one embodiment, theproximal main conveyor boom section 106 a is directly and pivotablycoupled with respect to the second intermediate main conveyor boomsection 106 b about a pivot joint 200 disposed, for example, proximal tothe top surface of the frames of the proximal and second intermediatemain conveyor boom sections 106 a-b. In one embodiment, the two mainconveyor boom sections 106 a-b are rotatably coupled together with arod/pin—acting as a fulcrum, wherein the second intermediate mainconveyor boom section 106 b is operably configured to pivot in avertical direction (or in the y-axis—represented with arrow 202) withrespect to the proximal main conveyor boom sections 106 a. The rod/pinextends from one side surface of the frame to the other side surface. Toaccommodate such movement, the distal end 414 of the proximal mainconveyor boom section 106 a, or the proximal end 412 of the secondintermediate main conveyor boom section 106 b, tapers in thickness(represented with arrow 204) as it spans towards the distal end 414 toaccommodate negative angular movement, α, relative to the generallyplanar axis 206 defined by the generally longitudinal orientation of theproximal main conveyor boom section 106 a. In one embodiment, the secondintermediate main conveyor boom section 106 b has a negative angulardeviation ranging from approximately 40-45°. The second intermediatemain conveyor boom section 106 b may also have positive angulardeviation, γ, ranging from approximately 20-25°. Other potential ranges,however, may be utilized. As such, the main conveyor boom sections 106b-n may be adjusted vertically about the pivot joint 200 to accommodatevarious structural roadblocks present at many construction or job sitesand/or to effectively and efficiently reach the concrete placementlocation without adjusting the feeder assembly 104 or the proximal mainconveyor boom section 106 a.

To move the main conveyor boom sections 106 b-n about the pivot joint200, the assembly 100 may utilize one or more mechanical drivers, suchas pneumatic, electrical, thermal, magnetic, mechanical, or hydraulicactuators, e.g., driver/actuator 208. In one embodiment, the base 210 ofthe actuator 208 may be mechanically coupled (e.g., utilizing one ormore fasteners) to the second end 414 of the proximal main conveyor boomsection 106 a and operably configured to rotate, for example on ballbearings, within a housing and the distal end 212 of the actuator 208may be operably configured to extend and retract within a track 214sized to receive the distal end 212 of the actuator 208 and shaped topermit the distal end 212 to translate and vertically adjust theadjacently coupled main conveyor boom section. In other embodiments, theassembly 100 may utilize another type of mechanical driver, e.g., acable/pulley configuration, in order to provide the necessary force torotate the second intermediate main conveyor boom section 106 b withrespect to the proximal main conveyor boom section 106 a.

With reference back to FIGS. 4-8, in one embodiment, the translation istelescopic translation in the longitudinal direction, as known by thoseof skill in the art. In other embodiments, the translation may alsoinclude pivoting or other vertical adjusting of the boom sections and/ora combination of telescopic translation and pivoting or verticaladjustment. Referring briefly back to FIG. 1 in combination with FIG. 4,in one embodiment two or more main boom sections are telescopicallycoupled together such that they extend and retract in a “closed-stacked”relationship. Specifically, two main boom sections, e.g., 106 b-c, maybe coupled together through, for example, a tongue-and-groove orroller/wheel-track configuration, wherein one or both of the two mainboom sections 106 b-c are operable to telescopically translate in alongitudinal direction with respect to one another. Further, as seendepicted in FIG. 1, the two main boom sections 106 b-c are stacked ontop of one another, which provides greater structural rigidity andsupport while one of the two main boom sections 106 b-c is translatingto the desired position. Tensioning of the main conveyor belt 300through boom section translation may occur with known techniques andusing known components, such as those described in the references citedin the Background section and, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 7,108,125(Gilmore et al.) (wherein the entirety of said reference is incorporatedherein by reference). Therefore, in one embodiment, the main conveyorbelt 300 is beneficially a single belt that revolves around the mainboom sections 106 a-c using, for example, rollers and motors. Saidanother way, the belts 300 may be described as being revolvably coupledto the respective boom sections 106 a-c. In other embodiments, the mainconveyor belt 300 is composed of a plurality of belts independentlyrevolving around their respective one or more main boom sections 106a-c.

With reference briefly to FIGS. 2-4, the main conveyor boom sections 106a-n may also have “structurally closed frames.” The boom sections 106a-n are considered to have structurally closed frames such that theysubstantially no openings along their respective lengths aside fromthose used to permit the revolution of the rollers or movement of anyother components, e.g., actuators, used to maneuver the main conveyorboom sections 106 a-n. These structurally closed frames advantageouslycreate a more structurally rigid and secure main conveyor boom assembly.

With reference back to FIGS. 4-8, the distal main conveyor boom section106 n includes a second main conveyor belt 500 spanning from a first end416 of the distal main conveyor boom section 106 n to a second end 418of the distal main conveyor boom section 106 n. The second main conveyorbelt 500 independently revolves around the distal main conveyor boomsection 106 n, as the distal main conveyor boom section 106 n, moreparticularly the second end 418, is operably configured to independentlyrevolve, approximately 360°, about the revolution joint 404. The firstand second main conveyor belts 300, 500 are operably configured totransport the construction material toward the second end 418 of thedistal main conveyor boom section 106 n, where it may pass through anend hose 502 and ultimately placed in the desired location by the user.The construction material directional flow from the intermediate mainconveyor boom section 106 c, to the distal main conveyor boom section106 n, and then through the end hose 502 can be seen depicted witharrows 504 in FIG. 5.

The distal main conveyor boom section 106 n is operable to rotateapproximately 360° (i.e., with 5°) using, for example, a couplingconfiguration best shown in FIG. 6. FIG. 6 depicts a cross-section viewof the revolution joint 404 about section line 6-6 depicted in FIG. 5.An exemplary rotation path of the distal main conveyor boom section 106n is depicted in FIG. 8 with arrows 800. Specifically, the first end 416of the distal main conveyor boom section 106 n may have an upper annualportion 600 with teeth 700 surrounding a perimeter of the annual portion600. The teeth 700 may be coupled to a drive axle 610 also having teeth702 corresponding to the teeth of the annual portion 600. FIG. 7 depictsa top plan view of an exemplary axial module worm gear pair. In otherembodiments, the distal main conveyor boom section 106 n may revolveabout the revolution joint 404 using a tongue-and-groove configurationor a cable/pully configuration. The annual portion 600 may have an upperportion that seats within a channel 602 defined by a lower end of thesecond end 406, specifically a frame member 604, of the intermediatemain conveyor boom section 106 c. As those of skill in the art willappreciate, the frame member 604 of the intermediate main conveyor boomsection 106 c flanks the first main conveyor belt 300 so that it canrevolve about the respective boom sections and rollers, e.g., roller606, disposed thereon. Said another way, the first main conveyor belt300 may span from the from the first end 302 of the proximal mainconveyor boom section 106 a to a second end 416 of the intermediate mainconveyor boom section 106 c, wherein the first main conveyor belt 300 isoperably configured to revolve around the proximal main conveyor boomsection 106 a, the intermediate main conveyor boom section 106 c, andthe second intermediate main conveyor boom section 106 b. The axialmodule worm gear pair may have various root diameters, d_(f1), referencediameters, d₁, tip diameters, d_(a1), center distances, α, and leadangles, γ, depending on the design constraints and parameters.

The rotation of the distal main conveyor boom section 106 n may also bedescribed or limited in terms of its axis or plane of rotation. Forexample, the first main conveyor belt 300 disposed on the intermediatemain conveyor boom section 106 c may define a belt plane (representedwith numeral 506 in FIG. 5). The distal main conveyor boom section 106 nmay revolve about an axis of revolution (represented with numeral 616 inFIG. 6) defined by the center of rotation of the distal main conveyorboom section 106 n about the revolution joint 404. The rotation of thedistal main conveyor boom section 106 n may then be described by theaxis of revolution 616 being disposed at an approximately orthogonalorientation (i.e., 90°+/−5°) with respect to the belt plane 506.Alternatively, the rotation of the distal main conveyor boom section 106n may be described as generating a distal main conveyor boom sectionrotation plane (represented with numeral 508 in FIG. 5) that issubstantially parallel to, yet non-co-planar with, the belt plane 506.

When the user desires to rotate the distal main conveyor boom section106 n, in one embodiment, the distal main conveyor boom section 106 nmay be operable for it to be manually maneuvered to the desiredposition. In such an embodiment, the axial module worm gear pair may beomitted, and the distal main conveyor boom section 106 n would besupported by and operable to rotate through the use of one more ballbearings 608. The distal main conveyor boom section 106 n would alsohave a manual or electronic locking member that would be operablyconfigured to prohibit rotation of the distal main conveyor boom section106 n when desired. In other embodiments, the axial module worm gearpair or other driving mechanisms and configurations may be rotatedusing, for example, a motor, driver, and/or gear box that may havevarious designs and outputs, including torque and velocity, depending onthe design constraints and parameters.

As such, the multi-sectioned boom concrete conveyor assembly 100 isoperable to transport concrete to a placement location in a continuousfashion, while simultaneously providing the user the ability to maneuverthe end hose 502 to the desired location for effective and efficientplacement of the construction material, e.g., dirt, concrete, or othermaterial, e.g., wheat/corn. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 5-6, theconstruction material would transport through the intermediate mainconveyor boom section 106 c via the first main conveyor belt 300,through a joint aperture 612 defined by a portion of the frame 614 ofthe distal main conveyor boom section 106 n, and then onto the secondmain conveyor belt 500 where it is ultimately transported to the endhose 502 and placement location desired by the user.

With reference to FIG. 10, a process flow diagram is depicted thatrepresents one exemplary and beneficial method of placing concrete.Although FIG. 10 shows a specific order of executing the process steps,the order of executing the steps may be changed relative to the ordershown in certain embodiments. Also, two or more blocks shown insuccession may be executed concurrently or with partial concurrence insome embodiments. Certain steps may also be omitted in FIG. 10 for thesake of brevity. In some embodiments, some or all of the process stepsincluded in FIG. 10 can be combined into a single process. The processbegins at step 1000 and immediately proceeds to step 1002 of providingand powering the assembly and extending at least the distal mainconveyor boom section 106 n to a desired length. Before extending thedistal main conveyor boom section 106 n, those of skill in the art willappreciate that other steps may be taken before such action, e.g.,installing and/or positioning one or more outriggers 802, 804, which aredepicted in at least FIG. 8. In one embodiment, the overall length ofthe plurality of main boom sections 106 a-n may range from 50-200 feet.Each of the plurality of main boom sections 106 a-n may be approximately30-50 feet in length, while the width of each section (fromframe-to-frame flanking the belt) may range from 2-6 feet. Each of theplurality of main boom sections 106 a-n may also have a height (fromupper belt surface-to-lower belt surface) range from approximately 1-6feet.

Next, the process continues to step 1004 of revolving the first andsecond belts 300, 500 around their respective main boom sections. Saidanother way, the assembly 100 may provide power to one or more motorsoperably configured to revolve the belts 300, 500 around the respectiveboom sections 106 a-n. When a belt is disposed on the upper side orabove of one of the boom sections 106 a-n, it is described as an upperbelt surface, as opposed to when the belt is disposed underneath one ofthe booms sections 106 a-n, it is described as a lower-belt surface.Should the assembly 100 be used in combination with a feeder conveyor104, the user would also start revolving the feeder conveyor belt 310 aswell. Next, the process continues to step 1006 of placing a constructionmaterial, e.g., concrete, on the first end 302 of the proximal mainconveyor boom section 106 a, or the hopper and/or first end 400 of thefeeder conveyor 104, wherein the construction material is transportedacross the first and second main conveyor belts 300, 500.

Next, the process continues to the step 1008 of positioning the distalmain conveyor boom section 106 n by revolving it, along a distal boomtranslation path, from a storing or initial position at least 180° withrespect to the revolution joint 404 formed by the intermediate mainconveyor boom section 106 c and distal main conveyor boom section 106 n.This step may also include revolving the second end 418 of the distalmain conveyor boom section 106 n approximately 360° with respect to therevolution joint 404. After the distal main conveyor boom section 106 nhas been rotated or revolved, it is said to be in a placement positionon the distal boom translation path where the construction material canflow from an end hose 502 or otherwise be placed by the operator/user inits desired location. As such, the assembly 100 is able to provideeffective and efficient placement of the construction material and anassembly that beneficially has additional and various degrees of freedomwhen compared to known construction material placement assemblies. Theprocess may then continue to revolving or retracting the main boomsections such that they are placed back in their initial or storingposition and operable to be transported by a vehicle to variouslocations for subsequent use. The process may then terminate at step1010.

What is claimed is:
 1. A portable multi-sectioned boom concrete conveyorassembly comprising: a main conveyor boom assembly including a pluralityof main conveyor boom sections, the plurality of main conveyor boomsections having at least: a proximal main conveyor boom section with afirst main conveyor belt and a first end rotatable about a main conveyorbase joint; and a distal main conveyor boom section that is configuredto be supported, from the main conveyor base joint through the mainconveyor boom assembly, a distance above a ground surface, and that isrotatably coupled to one of the plurality of main conveyor boom sectionsabout a revolution joint, and having a second main conveyor beltspanning from a first end of the distal main conveyor boom section to asecond end of the distal main conveyor boom section, wherein the distalmain conveyor boom section is operably configured to independentlyrevolve about the revolution joint; and a feeder conveyor with a beltoperably configured to transport a construction material to the firstmain conveyor belt at the first end of the proximal main conveyor boomsection; wherein the first and second main conveyor belts of the mainconveyor boom assembly are operably configured to transport theconstruction material toward the second end of the distal main conveyorboom section.
 2. The portable multi-sectioned boom concrete conveyorassembly according to claim 1, wherein: the revolution joint is disposedat the first end of the distal main conveyor boom section and the distalmain conveyor boom section is operably configured to independentlyrevolve 360 degrees about the revolution joint.
 3. The portablemulti-sectioned boom concrete conveyor assembly according to claim 1,wherein the plurality of main conveyor boom sections further comprise:an intermediate main conveyor boom section with a first end translatablyand coupled to the proximal main conveyor boom section, the distal mainconveyor boom section rotatably and directly coupled to the intermediatemain conveyor boom section about the revolution joint; wherein theproximal, intermediate, and distal main conveyor boom sections arefurther telescopically coupled, wherein the plurality of main conveyorboom sections can be retracted in a closed stacked relationship on adeck of a vehicle to which the main conveyor base joint is coupled. 4.The portable multi-sectioned boom concrete conveyor assembly accordingto claim 3, further comprising: a belt plane defined by the first mainconveyor belt while disposed on an upper surface of the intermediatemain conveyor boom section; and an axis of revolution defined by acenter of rotation of the distal main conveyor boom section about therevolution joint, the axis of revolution disposed at an approximatelyorthogonal orientation with respect to the belt plane.
 5. The portablemulti-sectioned boom concrete conveyor assembly according to claim 3,wherein the plurality of main conveyor boom sections further comprise: asecond intermediate main conveyor boom section with a first endpivotally and directly coupled to the proximal main conveyor boomsection and a second end translatably coupled to the intermediate mainconveyor boom section, the second intermediate main conveyor boomsection interposed between the intermediate main conveyor boom sectionand the proximal main conveyor boom section.
 6. The portablemulti-sectioned boom concrete conveyor assembly according to claim 5,wherein: the first main conveyor belt spans from the from the first endof the proximal main conveyor boom section to a second end of theintermediate main conveyor boom section, the first main conveyor beltoperably configured to revolve around the proximal main conveyor boomsection, the intermediate main conveyor boom section, and the secondintermediate main conveyor boom section.
 7. The portable multi-sectionedboom concrete conveyor assembly according to claim 6, wherein: theproximal main conveyor boom section, the intermediate main conveyor boomsection, and the second intermediate main conveyor boom section arestructurally closed frames.
 8. The portable multi-sectioned boomconcrete conveyor assembly according to claim 1, further comprising: adeck pivot joint disposed at a distal end of a deck of a vehicle,wherein the feeder conveyor is pivotably coupled to the deck pivotjoint.
 9. The portable multi-sectioned boom concrete conveyor assemblyaccording to claim 8, wherein the feeder conveyor further comprises: ahopper coupled to a proximal end of the feeder conveyor, wherein thefeeder conveyor is operably configured to transport the constructionmaterial from the hopper toward the distal end of the feeder conveyor.10. The portable multi-sectioned boom concrete conveyor assemblyaccording to claim 9, wherein the feeder conveyor further comprises: anoperational position along a feeder conveyor placement path, wherein theoperational position includes the distal end of the feeder conveyor in asuperimposed configuration with respect to the first end of the proximalmain conveyor boom section and the first main conveyor belt.
 11. Aportable multi-sectioned boom concrete conveyor assembly comprising: afeeder conveyor operable to convey concrete from a proximal end of thefeeder conveyor to a distal end of the feeder conveyor; a main conveyorboom assembly having a plurality of main conveyor boom sections intelescoping relationship with each other and including at least aproximal main conveyor boom section and a distal main conveyor boomsection, the main conveyor boom assembly is configured to receiveconcrete from the feeder conveyor at a first end of the proximal mainconveyor boom section; the proximal main conveyor boom section having afirst main conveyor belt configured to convey the concrete from thefirst end of the proximal main conveyor boom section along the mainconveyor boom assembly, the proximal main conveyor boom section beingconfigured to be rotatably coupled to a deck of a vehicle about a mainconveyor base joint; the distal main conveyor boom section that issupported a distance above a ground surface by the vehicle, through themain conveyor base joint, and that is rotatably coupled to one of themain conveyor boom sections and having a second main conveyor belt,wherein the first main conveyor belt provides the concrete to the secondmain conveyor belt at a first end of the distal main conveyor boomsection, and wherein the distal main conveyor boom section is configuredto convey the concrete to a second end of the distal main conveyor boomsection via the second main conveyor belt.
 12. The portablemulti-sectioned boom concrete conveyor assembly according to claim 11,wherein the main conveyor boom assembly further comprises anintermediate main conveyor boom section coupled between the proximal anddistal main conveyor boom sections, wherein: the intermediate mainconveyor boom section is operably configured, through a mechanicaldriver, to rotatably and vertically pivot with respect to the second endof the proximal main conveyor boom section a negative angular deviationof at least 25° relative to a planar axis defined by the generallylongitudinal orientation of the proximal main conveyor boom section. 13.The portable multi-sectioned boom concrete conveyor assembly accordingto claim 11, wherein: the proximal main conveyor boom section tapers inthickness as it spans towards the second end of the proximal mainconveyor boom section.
 14. The portable multi-sectioned boom concreteconveyor assembly according to claim 11, further comprising: a deckpivot joint disposed at a distal end of the deck of the vehicle, whereinthe feeder conveyor is pivotably coupled to the deck pivot joint.
 15. Aportable multi-sectioned boom concrete conveyor assembly having a mainconveyor boom assembly including a plurality of main conveyor boomsections, the plurality of main conveyor boom sections in a telescopingrelationship and comprising: a proximal main conveyor boom section witha first main conveyor belt revolvably coupled thereto and a first endrotatably coupled to a deck of a vehicle about a main conveyor basejoint; an intermediate main conveyor boom section translatably coupledto the proximal main conveyor boom section and having the first mainconveyor belt revolvably coupled thereto; and a distal main conveyorboom section that is supported a distance above a ground surface by thevehicle through the main conveyor base joint and the plurality of mainconveyor boom sections, and that is rotatably coupled to theintermediate main conveyor boom section about a revolution jointdisposed at a first end of the distal main conveyor boom section, andfurther having a second main conveyor belt that is independent of thefirst main conveyor belt and that is revolvably coupled thereto andspanning from the first end to a second end of the distal main conveyorboom section, and the distal main conveyor boom section being furtherconfigured to independently revolve about the revolution joint; whereinthe first and second main conveyor belts are operably configured totransport a construction material toward the second end of the distalmain conveyor boom section.
 16. The portable multi-sectioned boomconcrete conveyor assembly according to claim 15, further comprising: afeeder conveyor with a belt operably configured to transport theconstruction material toward a distal end of the feeder conveyor. 17.The portable multi-sectioned boom concrete conveyor assembly accordingto claim 16, further comprising: a deck pivot joint disposed at a distalend of the deck of the vehicle, wherein the feeder conveyor is pivotablycoupled to the deck pivot joint.
 18. The portable multi-sectioned boomconcrete conveyor assembly according to claim 17, wherein the feederconveyor further comprises: an operational position along a feederconveyor placement path, wherein the operational position includes thedistal end of the feeder conveyor in a superimposed configuration withrespect to the first end of the proximal main conveyor boom section andthe first main conveyor belt.
 19. The portable multi-sectioned boomconcrete conveyor assembly according to claim 15, further comprising: abelt plane defined by the first main conveyor belt while disposed on anupper surface of the intermediate main conveyor boom section; and anaxis of revolution defined by a center of rotation of the distal mainconveyor boom section about the revolution joint, the axis of revolutiondisposed at an approximately orthogonal orientation with respect to thebelt plane.
 20. The portable multi-sectioned boom concrete conveyorassembly according to claim 15, wherein the plurality of main conveyorboom sections further comprises: a second intermediate main conveyorboom section with a first end pivotally and directly coupled to theproximal main conveyor boom section and a second end translatablycoupled to the intermediate main conveyor boom section, the secondintermediate main conveyor boom section interposed between theintermediate main conveyor boom section and the proximal main conveyorboom section.